Williams out to turn back the clock with Sir Maximilian

3.00 Chester
Boodles Diamond Handicap l 5f l 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Sir Maximilian is well drawn in stall three in an attempt to win this for a second time, three years after first landing the spoils.

Ian Williams' topweight faces some familiar faces, including 2010 winner Confessional, who is making a fifth appearance in this sprint, in which he was also runner-up two-years ago.

Also well berthed are old rivals El Astronaute (stall one) and Majestic Hero (seven), who were separated by a short head when first and second in a decent contest at Newmarket last month.

Majestic Hero has since gone one better at Epsom but is 2lb worse off with El Astronaute this time around.

Go low!

It's no surprise those drawn low have prospered in this and the last four winners have come out of stalls three or four.

Punters in peril

No favourite has won this since Sohraab (11-4) in 2009.

What They Say

Ian Williams, trainer of Sir Maximilian
He won the race a few years ago and is well drawn so we have to be hopeful. He ran some fair races in defeat at the Dubai Carnival this year and seems to be on top of his game.

Paul D'Arcy, trainer of Spring Loaded
He sustained a small stress fracture in February which curtailed his all-weather campaign, which was a shame as he would have had a big shout in the sprint final. He may find this five furlongs a bit quick but he does like horses coming back to him so he could go well. The plan is to take him to a race at Windsor on June 5.

Pat Shanahan, trainer of Taexali
He's been quite consistent and has a good draw. He's in good form and has his chance.

Ron Harris, trainer of Majestic Hero
He won pretty easily the other day at Epsom, when it was like a piece of work for him rather than a race. He's very well drawn and Jamie Spencer, who is two from three on him, rides again. I'm not sure how he'll handle the track but we're going there full of confidence.

John Quinn, trainer of El Astronaute
He developed well through the winter and it was no surprise he won as he did at the Craven meeting at Newmarket last month. He's a previous course winner with a good draw so has an obvious chance.

Eric Alston, trainer of Blithe Spirit
It's going to be very difficult for her from stall eight as she's only a small filly and likes to lead, which would seem unlikely looking at the line-up.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Ballesteros
He's a regular around Chester but it will be tough from the wide draw in ten.

David Loughnane, trainer of Seamster
He's not that well drawn and we'll ride him for luck. If he can nick a place we'll be happy.